Tag Archives: urinary tract infection

Overactive Bladder? Read This | Fullerton, CA

Do you have to get up more than once in the middle of the night to use the bathroom? When you are in public do you find yourself always looking for the restroom? Not only is it an inconvenience, but it can be cause for concern if it is a developing occurrence. After all, having an overactive bladder make daily life hard but there are many reasons it has developed. Diabetes, urinary tract infections or trouble walking can all be reasons you have an overactive bladder, so it is important to seek medical advice when you find you are urinating more frequently. But worry not – there is hope. With dietary changes and therapy, an overactive bladder can be treated.

Diet. Dietary changes can help manage your overactive bladder. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol and artificial sweeteners can help decrease bladder activity.

Pelvic muscle exercises. These types of exercises help prevent and/or alleviate symptoms since they strengthen the pelvic floor. They send a signal to the bladder to relax and resume filling. Through regular exercises, you can build strength and endurance to help regain and maintain bladder control.

InterStim therapy. The process of delivering electrical stimulation directly to the sacral nerves. It is shown to be successful in 4 out of 5 patients. InterStim therapy involves two stages. First, a test. Second, a permanent implant. The implant delivers electrical stimulation without having to revisit the doctor and is an outpatient procedure. The implant is surgically placed under the skin in the upper buttock or abdomen to stimulate the sacral nerve using electric pulses.

If you would like more information on overactive bladder treatment options, contact Dr. Gordon C. Gunn MD at 714-912-2211 or visit www.gordongunnmd.com to schedule an appointment today

Dr. Gordon Gunn proudly serves Fullerton and all surrounding areas.

The ABC’s of Urinary Tract Infections | Fullerton, CA

Every year, over 11 million women develop a urinary tract infection, (also known as a UTI, a bladder infection or acute cystitis). These infections are more common in women than men, primarily due to the normal female anatomy, with the urethra (tube leading from the bladder to the outside), located very close to the vaginal opening. This allows bacteria from the vagina, and especially the rectum, to enter the bladder, and subsequently cause an infection. Sexual activity is the most common cause for developing a UTI, but pregnancy, advancing age, lack of estrogen, and diabetes are common contributing factors for developing these infections. For women who are more prone to bladder infections, prevention is key:

  • Women who are sexually active should void both before and after intercourse to limit the amounts of bacteria in the bladder. Also, some lubricants, oils and spermicidal jelly may also make an infection more likely.
  • Drinking an adequate amount of liquids will continually wash out the bladder. Water is preferred, as soda, coffee and tea may make it more likely to get an infection.
  • After a bowel movement or urinating, wipe from the front of the vagina to the back toward the rectum, away from the urethra.
  • Frequent changing of sanitary napkins or tampons can limit infections.
  • Avoiding hot tubs or highly chlorinated pools, as well as removing your wet swimsuit as soon as possible, can also limit bacterial exposure.
  • Cranberry juice and cranberry pills (no calories) have been proven to reduce UTI’s.

If you would like more information on urinary tract infections, contact Dr. Gordon C. Gunn MD in Fullerton, CA at 714-912-2211 to schedule an appointment today. Or visit www.gordongunnmd.com for additional information regarding women’s health. 

Dr. Gordon Gunn proudly serves Buena Park, La Mirada, Yorba Linda, Diamond Bar, Walnut and all surrounding Orange County areas.